Tape dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for pressure sensitive tape has a guide passage between the chamber in which a roll of tape is retained and the exterior. Oppositely acting ridges in the guide passage exert a holding effect on the tape to keep a free end availabe to be engaged by the user. In a simple form of the device a stationary external cutter is pressed against the tape to cut off a measured length or to cut the tape adjacent where it adheres to the surface to which it is attached. Other forms of the device employ an internal cutter, one of which is manually pressed into cutting engagement with the tape and another of which is snapped into cutting engagement.

Link

[ 1 TAPE DISPENSER [76] Inventor:

[22] Filed:

Charles T. Link, 686 Wellesley Dr.,

Claremont, Calif. 9171 1 July 27, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.: 275,761

[52] US. Cl. 156/527; 156/545, 156/577; 156/579; 225/54; 225/57; 225/80; 312/39 [51] Int. Cl. B261 3/02; B65h 35/04 [58] Field of Search 156/527, 545, 577, 579; 225/54, 57, 80; 312/39 {56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,156.603 11/1964 Robinson 156/577 3,351,511 11/1967 Petterson.... 1. 156/527 3,542,628 11/1970 Fink 156/527 3,565,727 2/1971 Guest... 156/527 3,586,587 6/1971 Boyce i i 156/527 3,709,761 1/1973 Trueb et a1. 156/576 451 July 15,1975

3,745,086 7/1973 Parker .1 156/527 Primary Examiner-Charles E. Van Horn Assistant Examiner-Robert A. Dawson {57] ABSTRACT A dispenser for pressure sensitive tape has a guide passage between the chamber in which a roll of tape is retained and the exterior. Oppositely acting ridges in the guide passage exert a holding effect on the tape to keep a free end availabe to be engaged by the user. in a simple form of the device a stationary external cutter is pressed against the tape to cut off a measured length or to cut the tape adjacent where it adheres to the surface to which it is attached. Other forms of the device employ an internal cutter, one of which is manually pressed into cutting engagement with the tape and another of which is snapped into cutting engagement.

34 Claims, 37 Drawing Figures TAPE DISPENSER A problem in applying adhesive tape to a selected surface and especially pressure sensitive tape, is the likelihood of having the tape inadvertently contact some portion of the surface before it is properly located in the position where it should be applied. This happens sometimes because of the presence of static electricity drawing light-weight tape to the surface. It can also happen after the initial end of the tape is applied to the surface and while a succeeding length of the tape is progressively pressed into place, especially where the eye alone is depended upon for guidance. Furthermore, since the adhesive side of the tape is usually of such character that it will stick to anything, if the tape is cutoff too long a length of tape will either have to be gotten rid of before it sticks fast to something after being severed from the container or if cut-off too short then an additional short length of tape must be applied to complete the job.

When tape is one of the common varieties of pressure sensitive tape, once it is applied to a surface like a paper surface it can not be removed without either mutiliating the paper surface or rendering the tape no longer adhesive. This means that the tape needs to be applied with appreciable accuracy in the first instance.

It is therefore among the objects of the invention to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein the adhesive tape contained in the dispenser has an end at the discharge slot readily available to be engaged for withdrawal, and then subsequently cut-off at a precise location.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser capable of accurately aligning the tape on the surface to which it is to be applied and at the same time pressing it into adhesive position followed by an accurate cut-off operation to precisely the desired length.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein a discharge slot is provided for the tape which holds the tape just firmly enough to keep it in an available position not only for being engaged when it is to be dispensed but also to hold it firmly in position when it is to be cut off.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein a dispensing slot for the tape is equipped with a special means for adding additional holding pressure to the tape at the moment it is to be cut off so that the cut off location is accurate.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein one end of the tape contained therein is located in a tape discharge slot and so positioned with reference to an adjacent wall of the dispenser as to permit initial withdrawal of tape from the dispenser by manual pressure biased between the tape end and the aforementioned adjacent wall of the dispenser.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein one end of the tape contained therein is located in a tape discharge slot which permits unimpeded withdrawal of the tape during dispensing thereof and which after cut-off holds the new tape end in position to be engaged for subsequent withdrawal.

Still further among the objects of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser which includes a tape cut-off bar which remains inactive while the tape is being dispensed and applied but which, by a simple manual operation can be manipulated to accurately cut off the tape at any desired length.

Further included among the objects of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein all parts, both static and moving, are simply constructed, compactly contained and readily accessible to a simple manual operation when the tape is to be accurately cut off.

Also included among the objects of the invention is to provide a new and improved tape dispenser wherein the container can be made of inexpensive plastic material reinforced at the junction to stiffen the container at appropriate locations and which makes it possible to provide the container with guide lines for direction of application and location to cut off so that the tape can always be applied with appreciable accuracy and accurately cut to desired length.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of the construction. arrangement, and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter set forth, pointed out in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. I is an end elevational view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view on the line 22 of FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the tape in a dispensing and cutting position.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the side opposite from that of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view on the line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9, I0 and II are successive schematic views showing progressively the application of tape to a surface from the initial sticking to the final cut-off for certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. I2 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but showing a different type of knife blade.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line l3l3 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view partially broken away showing a second form of the device.

FIG. 15 is an end elevational view on the line 15 15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view on the line 16 I6 of FIG. 14.

FIG. I7 is a side elevational view of the side opposite from that of FIG. 14 partially broken away.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line I8 I8 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the line I9 19 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the knife blade used in the form of invention of FIGS. I4 through 19 inclusive.

FIG. 21 is an end elevational view of still another form of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view on the line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view partially broken away showing the tape in dispensing position.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 23 but showing the tape in cut-off position.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing details of construction taken along line 25 25 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of the knife blade or tape cutter of FIGS. 21 through 25 inclusive.

FIG. 27 is an end elevational view of still another form of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 28 28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the line 29 29 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 29 but showing the knife blade or tape cutter extended in cutting position.

FIG. 31 is a side perspective view of the knife blade of the type used in FIGS. 27 through 30 inclusive.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of the sliding cam bar of FIGS. 28, 29, and 30.

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary sectional view of still another form of the device.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view somewhat similar to FIG. 33 but showing action of the knife blade in an initial phase of the cut-off operation.

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 34 but showing the knife blade in the final cut-off position.

FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of the knife blade viewed in FIGS. 33, 34 and 35.

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of the cam made use of in the form of invention in FIGS. 33, 34 and 35.

In an embodiment of the invention chosen for the purpose of illustration is shown a tape dispenser and applicator indicated generally by the reference character adapted to dispense a roll 1 1 of adhesive tape 12. For the device here under consideration the tape in the position of FIGS. 2 and 5 has adhesive on the lower face and has the upper face smooth and clear of adhesive.

The dispenser and applicator comprises in particular a housing 13 constructed of a wall 14 and a ridge 15 between which extend ribs 16. The wall encloses a chamber 17 within which the roll 11 is mounted, and retained therein by a spool 18 on which are a series of retaining detents 19 located at the outer ends of integral resilient finger sections 18' of the spool 18. In this form of device one side of the housing 13 is open as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 5 a series of long flanges 20. 21 and 22 provide a protrusion on one side of the housing 13 at the outermost end of which is a knife blade or tape cutter 25. Another pair of flanges 26 and 27 provide an extension which complements the extension formed by the flanges 20, 21 and 22. Between the extensions is a discharge or dispensing slot 28 through which the tape extends from its position on the roll 11 to the exterior. The slot 28 has a special construction in that on one side of the slot there are provided transverse ridges 29 and 30, the edges of which face the smooth side of the tape. On the opposite side of the slot are ridges 31 and 32 which, extending transversely, are in a position to engage the adhesive portion of the tape when that occasion is required. The slot is in effect a labyrinth.

Extending between the ridges 30 and the knife blade 25 is an exterior guide surface 33. On the opposite side of the ridge 30 is an interior guide surface 34. Guide surface 33 makes an obtuse angle with respect to the path of the tape from ridge 29 to ridge 30. The guide surfaces 33 and 34 as well as the knife blade 25 are all constructed of the same material as the housing 13 itself.

As shown in FIG. 4 a window 35 reveals the tape 12 in its position within the slot 28. A bridge 35 is located on the open side of the housing opposite window 35, as shown in FIG. 5, to connect the outer edges of the extensions formed by flanges 20, 21 and 22 and the flanges 26 and 27. The bridge 35 is located adjacent the ridges and its purpose is to maintain a stable relationship between ridges 29 and 30 on the one hand relative to ridges 31 and 32 on the other. A guide protrusion 36 may be provided on the exterior of the housing to indicate the direction the tape 12 should have when in cut-off position, as shown in FIG. 4.

In this form of the device, the length of the tape which lies between ridge 30 and knife blade 25 as shown in FIG. 5 lies where it can be engaged by the index finger of the user by pressing the tape against the guide surface 33. The length of tape will always be present due to the location of the knife blade 25 spaced by the surface 33 from the outlet end of the slot 28. To initiate dispensing of the tape, the thumb and forefinger can be used to apply a force biased between the lower portion of flange 20 and the length of tape overlying the guide surface 33 to produce a force parallel to the guide surface which will advance the end portion of the tape toward and beyond the knife blade 25. This action will automatically result in the end portion of the tape being gripped between the mutually approaching thumb and forefinger and pulled as needed to withdraw the desired length of tape from the dispenser. This length of tape is then cut off by pulling it parallel with the guide protrusion 36 and slightly to one side. In order to provide convenient access to the tape end portion while the base of the dispenser is resting on a supporting surface, the guide surface is located in an upwardly inclined wall at a height sufficiently above the base to provide such access.

When the tape is to be applied to a surface 37 as suggested in FIGS. 9, I0 and 11, the adhesive surface of the tape can be pressed against the surface either by hand or by applying pressure due to pressing the exterior guide surface 33 against the tape and thus against the surface 37 as shown in FIG. 9. Once the adhesive side of the tape has been stuck to the surface the housing can be moved from the original position of FIG. 9 and slightly tipped to the position of FIG. 10 and while moving the trailing edge 33' of guide surface 33 can be pressed against the smooth surface of the tape thereby to press the tape accurately in position on the surface. At the end of the length of tape thus applied the knife blade 25 can be used to cut the tape off by tilting the housing to the position of FIG. 11 in which guide protrusion 36 is parallel with surface 37. In this position the tape 12 is pulled over the knife blade 25 and the knife blade made use of to cut the tape off at that point by giving the housing a slight twist while moving it toward the right. Cut off in this fashion the tape still provides a short free end like that described in connection with FIG. 5 which can be engaged when the next application or dispensing operation is to be made. Slightly tipping the dispenser as in FIG. and thereby delaying the adhesive contact of the tape to surface 37 until it reaches trailing edge 33' facilitates the subsequent tipping of the dispenser to the FIG. 1 1 position for cut-off.

When a more lasting, sharper or replacable knife blade is desirable a housing structure like that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is found useful. For this purpose a recess 38 is formed by providing a flange 39 inwardly from and spaced from the flange 20, the recess 38 having an opening 40. A knife blade 41 has a toothed cutting edge 42 which takes the place of the knife blade 25. The knife blade 41 has a pair of projections 41' which frictionally engage one of the walls of the recess 38 so that there is a sliding friction fit of the knife blade in the recess. To prevent the knife blade from inadvertently coming loose a leaf detent 43 is provided which occupies a position overlying a shoulder 44 opposite a stop 44 when the knife blade has been fitted to its innermost position in the recess. This leaf detent can be bent to a depressed position sufficient to clear the shoulder 44 when it becomes advisable to remove the knife blade for substitution of another sharper blade.

As shown in FIG. 12, the oppositely facing ridges bear against opposite surfaces of the tape depending upon whether it is pulled tight for the dispensing or applying operations, or relaxed after the cut-off operation. Application of tension to the tape tends to straighten the path of the tape through the slot 28 and bring it into contact with the upper ridges 29 and 30 where it is bent at obtuse angles and out of contact with the lower ridges 31 and 32. After cut-off has been accomplished, the tension slackens in the tape remaining in the slot and elastic action in the tape causes it to bend downwardly on both sides of ridge 29 until it makes contact with the lower ridges 31 and 32. When this occurs, the adhesive on the tape adheres to the ridges 31 and 32 and retains the tape end in position to be engaged for dispensing or applying during the next operation.

The angle defined by the tape under tension on both sides of ridge 29 and the spacing of ridges 31 and 32 relative to ridge 29 are of especial importance in retaining the tape end in position to be engaged for dispensing or applying. The tape angle at ridge 29 controls the energy stored by the elastic deformation of the tape at ridge 29 when under tension. This energy is released when the tension slackens and causes the tape to bend downwardly on both sides of ridge 29 into contact with ridges 31 and 32. The spacing of ridges 29, 31 and 32 controls the conversion of the elastic energy in the tape at ridge 29 into adhesion between the tape and ridges 31 and 32. Optimum spacing involves a balance between acceptable tape retaining forces and practical manufacturing tolerances.

In the form of invention of FIGS. 14 through inelusive, the housing 13 consists of opposite mating parts 50 and 51 which together form a chamber 52. One of the mating parts 50 is possessed of flanges 53, 54, and 55 which assist in forming an extension 54', there being an additional flange 55' forming one side of a slot 56 through which the tape extends from the chamber 52 to the exterior. On the opposite side of the slot 56 is a flange 57. Ridges 58 and 59 on the flange 57 extend into the slot 56, as do ridges 60 and 61 on the flange 55. Adjacent the flange 57 are spaced parallel overlapping sections 62 and 63 forming a pocket 64 into which a tongue 65 extends, the sections 62 and 63 being located on the opposite mating part 51.

To additionally stiffen the junction between the two mating parts, recesses 66 and 67 are provided respectively in the flanges 54 and 55. lnto these recesses extends a T shaped section 68, the arms of the T being lodged in the recesses 66 and 67 as shown in FIG. 19. A leg 69 of the T provides reinforcement. The T shaped section is a molded portion of the mating part 51.

To further stiffen the junction between the two mating parts, a pocket in the base of mating part 50 is provided with oppositely facing shoulders 50' which engage closely fitting corresponding shoulders 51 of a tongue portion extending from the base of mating part 51.

For holding the roll 11 of adhesive tape there is provided a cylindrical spool 70 on the mating part 50 as shown in FIG. 18 into which a spool 71 of the mating part 51 extends. The telescoping arrangement of the spools provide additional stiffening and permits the mating parts accordingly to be constructed of lighter weight sections.

A knife blade 72 shown in perspective in FIG. 20 has a tape cutting edge 73 and an anchoring loop 74 at the opposite end. The anchoring loop 72 forms a recess 75 into which fits a tongue 76 which is a molded portion of the flange 53 of the mating part 50. A rib 77 assists in holding the knife blade in the position shown in FIG. 19 from which it can be removed by sliding it laterally, for replacement with a sharper knife blade when occasion requires. A rib 77' similar to rib 77 is provided on mating part 51 as an extension of T-shaped section 68 to assist further in supporting knife blade 72.

Of special note is a guide surface 78 which extends between an exit end 79 of the slot 56, defined by a ridge 80 and edge 81 adjacent an opening 82 into which the tape cutting edge 73 of the knife blade extends. The guide surface, as previously described, assists as an applicator for pressing the tape into engagement with the surface on which it is to be applied and also provides support for the tape end when digitally engaged during dispensing.

lndicia 83 may be employed to reveal the amount of tape left on a spool and a guide protrusion 84 serves as a tape guide when the tape 12 is to be drawn to a cutoff position. Guide protrusion 84 also serves, like guide protrusion 36 on housing 13, to indicate the required position of the dispenser for cutting the tape after applying same to a surface.

In the form of invention of FIGS. 21 through 26 inclusive, the housing 13' is constructed similar to the housing of FIGS. 14 through 19 inclusive with certain minor exceptions. In this form of the device there is an opening between a flange 53' and a flange 54'. A rib 91 is so formed and located as to provide a guide way 92 between it and an adjacent face of the flange 54. The guide way communicates between a cage 93 and the exterior. A rib 91' similar to rib 91 is provided on mating part 51' as an extension of T-shaped section 68 to provide a guideway comparable to guideway 92.

A knife blade or tape cutter 95 shown in perspective view in FIG. 26, has a cutting edge 96 at one end and an anchoring loop 97 at the other end. The cutting edge 96 protrudes through the guide way 92. Tabs 98 and 99 on a mating part 50' of the housing 13' provide an opening 100 into which the anchoring loop 97 extends.

During dispensing operation of the tape 12 the knife blade 95 is in the withdrawn position shown in FIG. 23. When the tape is to be cut off a resilient arcuate hand engaging operating portion 102 is depressed manually which causes a drive portion 103 to slide outwardly relative to the cage 93 and guide way 92 until the cutting edge 96 engages the tape 12 as shown in FIG. 25. The

tape is then cut off by pulling it parallel to guide protru- V sion 136' and slightly to one side. after which removal of the manual actuating force from operating portion 102 automatically permits the spring action therein to return the knife blade 95 to the position shown in FIG. 23.

During application of the tape. the knife blade 95 is in the same withdrawn position shown in FIG. 23 as during dispensing. By virtue of this fact the dispenser may be moved from the FIG. 9 position directly to the FIG. 11 position after application of the tape has started, wherein guide protrusion 136' is parallel with the work surface. As cut off, the operating portion 102 is depressed. as it is following dispensing, and the dispenser is given a slight twist as it is moved further toward the right. Following this, removal of the manual force from portion 102 automatically permits return of the knife blade to the withdrawn position.

A somewhat modified form of knife blade or tape cutter 105 is shown in the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 27 through 32 inclusive, the knife blade being shown in perspective in FIG. 31. The knife blade has a cutting end 106 terminating in a cutting edge 107 and an anchoring loop 108 at the opposite end. A resilient arcuate hand engaging operating portion 109 is located intermediate the cutting end 106 and the anchoring loop 108. A resilient cam arm 110 is formed as a cut out portion of the cutting end 106.

To accommodate the knife blade 105 flanges I11 and 112 spaced as shown form a cage 113. Another flange 114 closes the outer end of the cage. An inner partial flange 115 is spaced from the flange 111 and forms a guide way 116. A curved section 117 of the flange 114 for a portion of its width is spaced from and for the balance of its width is joined to the flange 112 and forms a guide way 118 which is in communication between the cage I13 and a tape dispensing slot 119. A flange 120 of the housing provides ridges 121 and 122 which extend into the slot 119 to engage the adhesive surface of the tape 12. On the opposite side of the slot 119 is a ridge 123 at the lower end of the flange 112 which likewise extends into the slot 119.

A sliding cam bar 125 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 32 and has a holding edge 126 at one end and a sliding shoe 127 at the other end. Intermediate the holding edge and the sliding shoe is a raised cam way 128 and a notch 128'.

On the flange 114 is a guide surface 129 located between a transverse ridge 130 and a corner 131. A second guide surface 132 on a flange 133 is located between a corner 134 and a second corner 135. The corners 131 and 134 are on opposite sides of the guide way 116 which accommodates the cutting end 106 of the knife blade 105.

In the operation of this form of the invention the tape 12 is drawn through the slot 119 as shown in FIG. 28 and drawn along the guide surfaces 129 and 132. To indicate the point at which the tape should be cut there may be provided a marker 136 such as is suggested in FIG. 22. the marker being located in alignment with the knife blade. When the tape is to be cut, the operator presses on the operating portion 109 of the knife blade which drives the cutting end 106 enclwise and outwardly through the guide way 1 16. During the first portion of this driving operation the cam arm engages the cam way 128 thereby to urge the sliding cam bar outwardly through the guide way 118 until the holding edge 126 is pressed into engagement with the tape 12 thereby to urge the tape into firm engagement with the ridges 121 and 122. Movement of the cam bar 125 is limited by engagement of portion 128 with curved section 117 of flange 114. As the knife blade continues to be urged outwardly the cutting edge 107 engages the cuts the tape 12. Upon release the inherent resiliency in the operating portion 109 causes that portion to are upwardly and outwardly to its original position thereby to withdraw the cutting end 106 into the guide way 116 to the position shown in FIG. 29. When the cam arm 110 is released from the cam way 128 the sliding cam bar 125 will remain in the extended position shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 until the next dispensing or applicating action during which it will be cammed to its upper position by the tape as it is pulled from the roll.

A somewhat different knife blade 140 is accommodated by the form of the device of FIGS. 33 through 37 inclusive, the knife blade being shown in perspective view in FIG. 36. A cutting edge 141 at one end is secured to a resilient drive section 142. The resilient drive section in turn is attached to a resilient hand engaging operating portion 143, at the other end of which is an anchoring loop 144. To accept the knife blade 140 the housing is provided with flanges 145 and 146 which form between them a cage 147. Within the cage is a ridge 148 which forms a guide way for a cutting end 149 of the knife blade 140. An arcuate flange 150 has a shoe portion 151 spaced from the rib 148 to provide an opening 152, through which the cutting edge 141 can protrude. Between the arcuate flange 150 and a flange 153 is a tape dispensing slot 154 through which the tape 12 is drawn. Ridges 155 and 156 on the flange 153 extend into and transversely of the slot 154. A ridge 157 at the lower end of the flange 146 also extends transversely of the slot 154 on the side opposite from the ridges 155 and 156.

A guide surface 158 which extends between the opening 152 and a ridge 159 accepts the tape 12 as it emerges from the slot 154. A second guide surface 160 over which the tape 12 is adapted to pass extends between the opening 152 and a corner 161.

In this form of the device a cam bar 162 shown in perspective view in FIG. 37 is made use of, the cam bar having a tape holding edge 163 at one end and a cam way 164 at the other end. Tabs 165 and 166 are spaced apart providing a recess 167 terminating in an elongated portion 168 which engages over a projection 169 on the flange I46. thereby permitting the cam bar to slide for a distance determined by the spacing between the tabs 165 and 166. An extension 170 of the arcuate flange 150 is spaced from the flange 146 providing a guide way 171 for the cam bar 162.

In the operation of this form of the device the knife blade is normally in the withdrawn position of FIG. 33. During applicating and cutting of the tape, this form of the dispenser, like that shown in FIGS. 27 to 32, is held in an inclined position generally illustrated by FIG. 11. This position affords sufficient clearance between the work surface and opening 152 to permit the cutting edge to cut through the tape without touching the work surface. When the tape 12 is to be cut it is drawn into contact with the guide surfaces 158 and 160. The operating portion 143 is then depressed manually and this initially causes the resilient drive section 142 to be contracted storing up energy in its loops 172 and 173. This is effected because the upper arcuate portion of flange 146 guides the movement of loop 173 and temporarily maintains the engagement of the loop 172 with a detent shoulder 174 in the cage 147. By this action the position of the cutting edge 141 is held temporarily until the loop 173 moves downwardly into engagement with the cam way 164 of the cam bar 162. When this occurs the cam bar 162 is pushed outwardly through the guide way 171 until the holding edge 163 is pressing the tape 12 as shown in FIG. 35. This puts tension on the tape 12 when it is pressed against the ridges 155 and 156. As pressure is continued on the operating portion 143 the loop 172 overrides the detent shoulder 174 when the loop 173 reaches the end of its constraint by the related arcuate portion of flange 146 and the energy stored up in the resilient drive section is then suddenly released and the cutting edge 141 guided by the guide way provided by the rib 148 is projected through the opening 152 and cuts the tape. As soon as pressure is released from the operating portion 143 the inherent resilience in the operating portion returns it to the position of FIG. 33 and this withdraws the loops to their initial position and the cutting edge 141 into the cage 147. Also when engagement of the loop 173 is released from the cam way 164 the cam bar 162 is left in a condition wherein tension on the tape during the next dispensing or applicating operation will cause the cam bar 162 to be pushed upwardly to its initial position. Thus the dispenser is ready for a successive dispensing or applicating operation followed by an appropriate subsequent cutting off of the tape.

Having described the invention, what is claimed in support of Letters Patent is:

1. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a support for a roll of tape, means forming a tape discharge slot in stationary position on the housing having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridge means at stationary locations relative to the housing intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot forming a sinuous passageway therebetween for said tape and for engagement with both faces of said tape, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade adjacent the outside end of said slot, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing in stationary position relative to the housing for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, said ridge means adjacent the smooth face of the tape and said guide surface being in engagement with the smooth face of the tape when the tape is subject to tension.

2. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein a plane defining the outlet portion of the passageway and the plane of said guide surface intersect each other at an obtuse angle determined by the thickness of the ridge at the discharge end of said passageway.

3. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein there is a second tape guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing on the side of said knife blade opposite the first identified guide surface and wherein said knife blade is slidably mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the first identified guide surface.

4. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means are located respectively on the opposite sides of planes defining the sinuous passageway.

5. A tape dispenser as in claim 4 wherein said ridge means are at spaced locations relative to planes respectively at opposite ends of said passageway whereby to contact one face of the tape when it is in tension and both faces of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.

6. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means comprises separate ridges located in positions of contact with the smooth face of the tape on one side of said passageway and clear of the adhesive face of the tape on the opposite side of said passageway during the travel of the tape through said passageway.

7. A tape dispenser as in claim 6 wherein said ridge means on one side of the passageway are located in positions in relation to said passageway in contact with the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.

8. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means are located to contact the smooth face of the tape on the inside of an obtuse angle formed by a plane defining the path of travel of the tape through said passageway and to clear the adhesive face of the tape on the outside of said obtuse angle during the travel of the tape through said passageway, said ridge means being located in positions in relation to said plane whereby to contact the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.

9. A tape dispenser as in claim 8 wherein one ridge is located within said angle at its apex to contact the smooth face of the tape and is flanked by adjacent ridges located externally of said angle on opposite sides of said apex in position to clear the adhesive face of the tape during its travel through said passageway and to contact the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.

10. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means comprises two ridges on the side of said passageway accommodating the smooth face of the tape and two ridges on the side of said passageway accommodating the adhesive face of the tape.

11. A tape dispenser as in claim 10 wherein one of the first named ridges is located intermediate the roll and said guide surface and is flanked on both sides thereof by the second named ridges located on the opposite side of said passageway, and wherein the other of the first named ridges adjoins said guide surface on the end thereof nearest the roll.

12. A tape dispenser as in claim 11 wherein said second named ridges are located in relation to planes defining the path of travel of the tape from the roll past the first named ridges to said guide surface to clear the adhesive side of the tape during said travel and to contact the adhesive side of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.

13. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein an exterior transverse wall of said housing supports said cut-off knife adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and is approximately perpendicular to said guide surface. said wall being completely inward of the housing relative to the cutting end of said knife and said cutting end being completely inward of the housing relative to said guide surface.

14. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein an exterior transverse wall of said housing encloses a guideway for movement of said cut-off knife in and out of said housing adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and is approximately perpendicular to said guide surface, the cutting end of said knife being inward of said wall and said guide surface in the retracted position of said knife and outward of said wall and guide surface in a tape cutting position of said knife.

15. A tape dispenser as in claim I wherein said cutoff knife is movable in a guideway provided in said housing, said guideway having an outside end adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and an opposite end in communication with the exterior of said housing, said movable cut-off knife having a cutting end in said guideway adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying the housing adjacent said opposite end of the guideway for effecting movement of said cutting end toward and beyond the outside end of said guideway.

16. A tape dispenser as in claim 15 wherein said resilient hand engaging operating portion of said cut-off knife is biased to effect automatic return of said cutting end into said guideway upon removal of hand engagement with said operating portion.

17 A tape dispenser as in claim 15 wherein a movable tape controlling member is mounted for limited movement in said housing between tape releasing and tape pressing positions, said tape controlling member being movable by said cut-off knife from tape releasing to tape pressing position and being retained by said knife in tape pressing position as said cutting end of the knive moves toward and beyond the outside end of said guideway whereby to effect a holding of the tape before and during cutting of the tape.

18. A tape dispenser as in claim 17 wherein said movable tape controlling member is located in said stationary tape discharge passageway and is movable by said cut-off knife from a position in which it guides the tape freely through the passageway to a position in which it presses the adhesive face of the tape against tape engaging ridge means whereby to effect a holding of the tape before and during cutting of the tape.

19. A tape dispenser as in claim 17 wherein said movable tape controlling member is automatically returnable from tape pressing to tape releasing position by action of the tape thereon when external tension force is applied to the end portion of the tape.

20. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said housing has a closed side and an open side and wherein said tape roll support, said means forming said tape discharge slot, said ridge means forming said sinuous passageway for the tape, said cut-off knife support, and said stationary guide surface for the smooth face of the tape are in a single integrally molded unit.

21. A tape dispenser as in claim 20 wherein there is a bridge means connecting together opposite sides of said passageway and opposite sides of said inwardly facing ridge means as a fixed integral unit there being an opening directly opposite said bridge means in said closed side of the housing extending between said opposite sides of the passageway, the size of said opening being at least as large as the size of said bridge element.

22. A tape dispenser as in claim 20 wherein opposite sides of means forming said stationary tape discharge slot and opposite sides of said inwardly facing ridge means are connected at said open side of the housing by a bridge element, said bridge element being removably anchored to said opposite sides of the stationary slot forming means and said opposite sides of the stationary inwardly facing ridge means and being a part of an enclosure for said open side of the housing.

23. A tape dispenser as in claim 3 wherein the cutoff knife is movable in and out of the housing substantially perpendicularly to said stationary guide surfaces, said second stationary guide surface having a tip portion at a location spaced from the cut-off knife whereby in upwardly tilted position of the housing to provide a clearance between the tape and a surface to which the tape is to be applied for severing movement of the cut-off knife.

24. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a wall forming a support for a roll of tape, a tape discharge slot through the wall having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridges intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade member adjacent the outside end, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said wall for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, a guide way in said wall for said knife blade member, said guide way having an outside end adjacent the guide surface and an opposite end in communication with the exterior of said wall, said knife blade member having a cutting end adjacent said guide surface and a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying said wall adjacent the opposite end of the guide way, a cam bar having a limited reciprocating mounting in said wall between respective tape pressing and tape releasing positions, a cam way on said bar and a cam arm on said knife blade having a position of engagement with said cam way when said knife blade member approaches cutting position whereby to move said cam bar to tape pressing position when the knife blade member is acting to cut the tape.

25. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a wall and a support for a roll of tape, a tape discharge slot through the wall having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridges intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade member adjacent the outside end, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said wall for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, portions of the wall being spaced from each other and forming a cage adjacent the slot and a guide way between the cage and the exterior, a tape cutter comprising a cutting end at said guide way, an anchored end attached to said wall, a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying said wall, a reversely curved resilient intermediate portion including a shoulder, and a stop means in said cage having a releasable engagement with said shoulder whereby to temporarily delay and then release said tape cutter for snap action cutting.

26. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein there is a holding slide reciprocatably mounted in said wall having one end extendable into said slot to a position of engagement with the tape and the other end being located in said cage, said intermediate portion of the tape cutter having a second shoulder engageable with said holding slide in advance of release of said first identified shoulder whereby to enable a holding of said tape before and during cutting of the tape.

27. A tape dispenser as in claim 26 wherein said shoulders on said intermediate portion comprise folds of the material forming said intermediate portion.

28. A tape dispenser as in claim wherein one wall of said cage has an arcuate shape conforming to the movement of said intermediate portion opposite said shoulder to retain said shoulder in engagement with said stop means, said arcuate shape being relieved at a point corresponding to the predetermined end of said movement to suddenly release the engagement of said shoulder with said stop means for snap action motion of said cutter.

29. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein said cutting end is spaced from the path of travel of the tape at the exterior end of said guideway during elastic compression of said intermediate portion and wherein release of said shoulder permits acceleration of said cutting end toward said tape path through elastic expansion of said intermediate portion.

30. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein said reversely curved intermediate portion comprises opposite folds connected respectively to said cutting end and said hand engaging operating portion, said folds extending laterally approximately equal distances from said respective connections.

31. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a support for a roll of tape, means forming a tape discharge slot in stationary position on the housing having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridge means at stationary locations relative to the housing intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot forming a sinuous passageway therebetween for said tape and for engagement with both faces of said tape, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade adjacent the outside end of said slot, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing in stationary position relative to the housing for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, said ridge means adjacent the smooth face of the tape and said quide surface being in engagement with the smooth face of the tape when the tape is subject to tension, said guide surface being located in an upwardly inclined portion of said housing sufficiently above the base of said housing to permit convenient digital access to said guide surface during support of said base by a surface underlying and extending beyond said guide surface.

32. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having support for a roll of tape, means forming a tape discharge slot in stationary position on the housing having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridge means at stationary locations relative to the housing intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot forming a sinuous passageway therebetween for said tape and for engagement with both faces of said tape, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade adjacent the outside end of said slot, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing in stationary position relative to the housing for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, said ridge means adjacent the smooth face of the tape and said guide surface being in engagement with the smooth face of the tape when the tape is subject to tension, said housing having a closed side and an open side and a generally cylindrical rotational support for a roll of tape extending from said closed side toward said open side, and wherein said rotational support comprises rigid longitudinal journal sections adjoining resilient longitudinal retaining sections each integrally joined at one end thereof with said closed side, there being shoulders extending radially outwardly at the ends of said resilient sections remote from said closed side for retaining said roll of tape in alignment with said stationary tape discharge slot, and said resilient sections being adapted to be deflected radially inwardly within the elastic limits of said sections to permit said shoulders to clear the opening in said roll of tape and to return automatically to normal retaining position upon removal of the deflecting force.

33. A tape dispenser as in claim 32 wherein said shoulders are shaped to be cammed radially inwardly by the bore of a tape roll spool upon insertion of said tape roll into the dispenser, said shoulders being automatically returned to normal retaining position by the elastic action of said resilient sections as said tape roll is inserted fully into the dispenser.

34. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein the cutting end of said transversely extending cut-off knife has a normally retracted position on the interior side of the plane of said tape guide surface and a cutting position spaced from the exterior side of said plane, and wherein said cut-off knife is movable between said positions through a guideway located between the discharge end of said guide surface and an adjacent second guide surface for the smooth face of the tape, said cutting end of the knife in said cutting position, being oriented toward the discharge end of said slot at an acute angle with the plane of the first identified guide surface for cutting engagement with tape extending from said slot toward said guide surfaces. 

1. A TAPE DISPENSER FOR ADHESIVE TAPE HAVING AN ADHESIVE FACE AND A SMOOTH FACE SAID DISPENSER COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING A SUPPORT FOR A ROLL OF TAPE MEANS FORMING A TAPE DISCHARGE SLOT IN STATIONARY POSITION ION THE HOUSING HAVING OPPOSITE INWARDLY FACING TRANSVERSE TAPE ENGAGING RIDGE MEANS AT STATIONARY LOCATIONS RELATIVE OT THE HOUSING INTERMEDIATE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ENDS OF THE SLOT FORMING A SINUOUS PASSAGEWAY THEREBETWEEN FOR SAID TAPE AND FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH BOTH FACE AND SAID TAPE AND A TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING CUT-OFF KNIFE BALDE ADJACENT THE OUTSIDE END OF SAID SLOT THERE BEING A GUIDE SURFACE ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING IN STATIONARY POSITION RELATIVE TO THE HOUSING FOR THE SMOOTH FACE OF SAID TAPE SAID SURFACE BEING LOCATED BETWEEN THE OUTSIDE END OF SAID SLOT AND THE KNIFE BLADE SAID RIDGE MEANS ADJACENT THE SMOOTH FACE OF THE TAPE AND SAID GUIDE SURFACE BEING IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SMOOTH FACE OF THE TAPE WHEN THE TAPE IS SUBJECT TO TENSION.
 2. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein a plane defining the outlet portion of the passageway and the plane of said guide surfacE intersect each other at an obtuse angle determined by the thickness of the ridge at the discharge end of said passageway.
 3. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein there is a second tape guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing on the side of said knife blade opposite the first identified guide surface and wherein said knife blade is slidably mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the first identified guide surface.
 4. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means are located respectively on the opposite sides of planes defining the sinuous passageway.
 5. A tape dispenser as in claim 4 wherein said ridge means are at spaced locations relative to planes respectively at opposite ends of said passageway whereby to contact one face of the tape when it is in tension and both faces of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.
 6. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means comprises separate ridges located in positions of contact with the smooth face of the tape on one side of said passageway and clear of the adhesive face of the tape on the opposite side of said passageway during the travel of the tape through said passageway.
 7. A tape dispenser as in claim 6 wherein said ridge means on one side of the passageway are located in positions in relation to said passageway in contact with the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.
 8. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means are located to contact the smooth face of the tape on the inside of an obtuse angle formed by a plane defining the path of travel of the tape through said passageway and to clear the adhesive face of the tape on the outside of said obtuse angle during the travel of the tape through said passageway, said ridge means being located in positions in relation to said plane whereby to contact the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.
 9. A tape dispenser as in claim 8 wherein one ridge is located within said angle at its apex to contact the smooth face of the tape and is flanked by adjacent ridges located externally of said angle on opposite sides of said apex in position to clear the adhesive face of the tape during its travel through said passageway and to contact the adhesive face of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.
 10. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said ridge means comprises two ridges on the side of said passageway accommodating the smooth face of the tape and two ridges on the side of said passageway accommodating the adhesive face of the tape.
 11. A tape dispenser as in claim 10 wherein one of the first named ridges is located intermediate the roll and said guide surface and is flanked on both sides thereof by the second named ridges located on the opposite side of said passageway, and wherein the other of the first named ridges adjoins said guide surface on the end thereof nearest the roll.
 12. A tape dispenser as in claim 11 wherein said second named ridges are located in relation to planes defining the path of travel of the tape from the roll past the first named ridges to said guide surface to clear the adhesive side of the tape during said travel and to contact the adhesive side of the tape when it is in relaxed condition.
 13. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein an exterior transverse wall of said housing supports said cut-off knife adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and is approximately perpendicular to said guide surface, said wall being completely inward of the housing relative to the cutting end of said knife and said cutting end being completely inward of the housing relative to said guide surface.
 14. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein an exterior transverse wall of said housing encloses a guideway for movement of said cut-off knife in and out of said housing adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and is approximately perpendicular to said guide surface, the cutting end of said knife being inward of said wall and said guide surface in the retracted position of said knife and outward of said wall and guide surface in a tape cutting position of said knife.
 15. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said cut-off knife is movable in a guideway provided in said housing, said guideway having an outside end adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and an opposite end in communication with the exterior of said housing, said movable cut-off knife having a cutting end in said guideway adjacent the discharge end of said guide surface and a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying the housing adjacent said opposite end of the guideway for effecting movement of said cutting end toward and beyond the outside end of said guideway.
 16. A tape dispenser as in claim 15 wherein said resilient hand engaging operating portion of said cut-off knife is biased to effect automatic return of said cutting end into said guideway upon removal of hand engagement with said operating portion.
 17. A tape dispenser as in claim 15 wherein a movable tape controlling member is mounted for limited movement in said housing between tape releasing and tape pressing positions, said tape controlling member being movable by said cut-off knife from tape releasing to tape pressing position and being retained by said knife in tape pressing position as said cutting end of the knive moves toward and beyond the outside end of said guideway whereby to effect a holding of the tape before and during cutting of the tape.
 18. A tape dispenser as in claim 17 wherein said movable tape controlling member is located in said stationary tape discharge passageway and is movable by said cut-off knife from a position in which it guides the tape freely through the passageway to a position in which it presses the adhesive face of the tape against tape engaging ridge means whereby to effect a holding of the tape before and during cutting of the tape.
 19. A tape dispenser as in claim 17 wherein said movable tape controlling member is automatically returnable from tape pressing to tape releasing position by action of the tape thereon when external tension force is applied to the end portion of the tape.
 20. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said housing has a closed side and an open side and wherein said tape roll support, said means forming said tape discharge slot, said ridge means forming said sinuous passageway for the tape, said cut-off knife support, and said stationary guide surface for the smooth face of the tape are in a single integrally molded unit.
 21. A tape dispenser as in claim 20 wherein there is a bridge means connecting together opposite sides of said passageway and opposite sides of said inwardly facing ridge means as a fixed integral unit there being an opening directly opposite said bridge means in said closed side of the housing extending between said opposite sides of the passageway, the size of said opening being at least as large as the size of said bridge element.
 22. A tape dispenser as in claim 20 wherein opposite sides of means forming said stationary tape discharge slot and opposite sides of said inwardly facing ridge means are connected at said open side of the housing by a bridge element, said bridge element being removably anchored to said opposite sides of the stationary slot forming means and said opposite sides of the stationary inwardly facing ridge means and being a part of an enclosure for said open side of the housing.
 23. A tape dispenser as in claim 3 wherein the cutoff knife is movable in and out of the housing substantially perpendicularly to said stationary guide surfaces, said second stationary guide surface having a tip portion at a location spaced from the cut-off knife whereby in upwardly tilted position of the housing to provide a clearance between the tape and a surface to which the tape is to be applied for severing movement of the cut-off knife.
 24. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooTh face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a wall forming a support for a roll of tape, a tape discharge slot through the wall having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridges intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade member adjacent the outside end, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said wall for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, a guide way in said wall for said knife blade member, said guide way having an outside end adjacent the guide surface and an opposite end in communication with the exterior of said wall, said knife blade member having a cutting end adjacent said guide surface and a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying said wall adjacent the opposite end of the guide way, a cam bar having a limited reciprocating mounting in said wall between respective tape pressing and tape releasing positions, a cam way on said bar and a cam arm on said knife blade having a position of engagement with said cam way when said knife blade member approaches cutting position whereby to move said cam bar to tape pressing position when the knife blade member is acting to cut the tape.
 25. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a wall and a support for a roll of tape, a tape discharge slot through the wall having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridges intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade member adjacent the outside end, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said wall for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, portions of the wall being spaced from each other and forming a cage adjacent the slot and a guide way between the cage and the exterior, a tape cutter comprising a cutting end at said guide way, an anchored end attached to said wall, a resilient hand engaging operating portion overlying said wall, a reversely curved resilient intermediate portion including a shoulder, and a stop means in said cage having a releasable engagement with said shoulder whereby to temporarily delay and then release said tape cutter for snap action cutting.
 26. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein there is a holding slide reciprocatably mounted in said wall having one end extendable into said slot to a position of engagement with the tape and the other end being located in said cage, said intermediate portion of the tape cutter having a second shoulder engageable with said holding slide in advance of release of said first identified shoulder whereby to enable a holding of said tape before and during cutting of the tape.
 27. A tape dispenser as in claim 26 wherein said shoulders on said intermediate portion comprise folds of the material forming said intermediate portion.
 28. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein one wall of said cage has an arcuate shape conforming to the movement of said intermediate portion opposite said shoulder to retain said shoulder in engagement with said stop means, said arcuate shape being relieved at a point corresponding to the predetermined end of said movement to suddenly release the engagement of said shoulder with said stop means for snap action motion of said cutter.
 29. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein said cutting end is spaced from the path of travel of the tape at the exterior end of said guideway during elastic compression of said intermediate portion and wherein release of said shoulder permits acceleration of said cutting end toward said tape path through elastic expansion of said intermediate portion.
 30. A tape dispenser as in claim 25 wherein said reversely curved intermediate portion comprises opposite folds connected respectively to said cutting end and said hand engaging operating portion, said folds extending laterally approximately equal distances from said respective connections.
 31. A tape dispenser for adhesive tape having an adhesive face and a smooth face, said dispenser comprising a housing having a support for a roll of tape, means forming a tape discharge slot in stationary position on the housing having opposite inwardly facing transverse tape engaging ridge means at stationary locations relative to the housing intermediate inside and outside ends of the slot forming a sinuous passageway therebetween for said tape and for engagement with both faces of said tape, and a transversely extending cut-off knife blade adjacent the outside end of said slot, there being a guide surface on the exterior surface of said housing in stationary position relative to the housing for the smooth face of said tape, said surface being located between the outside end of said slot and the knife blade, said ridge means adjacent the smooth face of the tape and said quide surface being in engagement with the smooth face of the tape when the tape is subject to tension, said guide surface being located in an upwardly inclined portion of said housing sufficiently above the base of said housing to permit convenient digital access to said guide surface during support of said base by a surface underlying and extending beyond said guide surface.
 32. A TAPE DISPENSER FOR ADHESIVE TAPE HAVING AN ADHESIVE FACE AND A SMOOTH FACE SAID DISPENSER COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING SUPPORT FOR A ROLL FO TAPE MEANS FORMING A TAPE DISCHARGE SLOT IN STATIONARY POSITION ON THE HOUSING HAVING OPPOSITE INWARDLY FACING TRANSVERSE TAPE ENGAGING RIDGE MEANS AT STATIONARY LOCATIONS RELATIVE TO THE HOUSING INTERMEDIATE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE END OF THE SLOT FORMING A SINUOUS PASSAGEWAY THEREBETWEEN FOR SAID TAPE AND FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH BOTH FACES OF SAID TAPE AND A TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING CUT-OFF KNIFE BLADE ADJACENT THE OUTSIDE END OF SAID SLOT THERE BEING A GUIDE SURFACE ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING IN STATIONARY POSITION RELATIVE TO THE HOUSING FOR THE SMOOTH FACE OF SAID TAPE SAID URFACE BEING LOCATED BETWEEN THE OUTSIDE END OF SAID SLOT AND THE KNIFE BLADE SAID RIDGE MEANS ADJACENT THE SMOOTH FACE OF THE TAPE AND SAID GUIDE SURFACE BEING IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SMOOTH FACE OF THE TAPE WHEN THE TAPE IS SUBJECT TO TENSION SAID HOUSING HAVING A CLOSED SIDE AND AN OPEN SIDE AND A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL ROTATIONAL SUPPORT FOR A ROLL OF TAPE EXTENDING FROM SAID CLOSED SIDE TOWARD SAID OPEN SIDE AND WHEREIN SAID ROTATIONAL SUPPORT COMPRISES RIGID LONGITUDINAL JOURNAL SECTIONS ADJOINING RESILIENT LONGITUDINAL RETAINING SECTIONS EACH INTEGRALLY JOINED AT ONE END THEREOF WITH SAID CLOSED SIDE THERE BEING SHOULDERS EXDING RADIALLY OUTWARDLY AT THE ENDS OF SAID RESILIENT SECTION REMOTE FROM SAID CLOSED SIDE FOR RETAINING SAID ROLL OF TAPE IN ALIGNMENT WIT SAID STATIONARY TAPE DISCHARGE SLOT AND SAID RESILIENT SECTIONS BEING ADAPTED TO BE DEFLECTED DIALLY INWARDLY WITH THE ELASTIC LIMITS OF SAID SECTIONS TO PERMIT SAID SHOULDERS TO CLEAR THE OPENING IN SAID ROLL OF TAPE AND TO RETURN AUTOMATICALLY TO NORMAL RETAINING POSITION UPON REMOVAL OF THE DEFLECTING FORCE.
 33. A tape dispenser as in claim 32 wherein said shoulders are shaped to be cammed radially inwardly by the bore of a tape roll spool upon insertion of said tape roll into the dispenser, said shoulders being automatically returned to normal retaining position by the elastic action of said resilient sections as said tape roll is inserted fully into the dispenser.
 34. A tape dispenser as in claim 1 wherein the cutting end of said transversely extending cut-off knife has a normally retracted position on the interior side of the plane of said tape guide surface and a cutting position spaced from the exterior side of said plane, and wherein said cut-off knife is movable between said positions through a guideway located between the discharge end of said guide surface and an adjacent second guide surface for the smooth face oF the tape, said cutting end of the knife in said cutting position, being oriented toward the discharge end of said slot at an acute angle with the plane of the first identified guide surface for cutting engagement with tape extending from said slot toward said guide surfaces. 